Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase II: Hospital to Home

Topic Overview

The cardiac rehabilitation Phase II program is the transitional phase of cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) after you leave
the hospital.

The goals are to:

Make a smooth transition from hospital to home.

Take care of yourself after leaving the hospital. This includes taking care of your incisions if you had surgery.

Get stronger and be more active.

Follow your
discharge instructions to avoid postsurgical complications
and to prepare yourself for a more active lifestyle. Your home program will
vary in length depending upon your medical history and current
condition.

Your rate of recovery depends on age,
gender, and other health conditions. Depending on your condition and how you
respond to rehab, you may stay in a particular phase or move back and forth
among the various phases. There is no set length of time that you must stay in
a specific phase.

Home exercise program

Your exercises at home depend on your medical history, clinical status, and symptoms.
Discuss additional physical limitations or medical issues with your doctor before you begin any exercise program.

Exercise progresses from activities of daily life to regular exercise. You will most likely walk or ride a stationary bike.

Aerobic exercise

A regular walking or stationary
cycling program is an essential part of your home exercise program. How fast
you progress will depend on your overall cardiovascular and muscular strength.
Always warm up and cool down. Never exercise at an intensity that causes
shortness of breath soon after open-heart surgery. Drink plenty of fluids, and
avoid extreme weather conditions and temperatures. In extreme weather, you can
try walking indoors at a mall or a gym.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.
How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.